Open the image you want to heat transfer on to fabric in an image editing program, such as Adobe Photoshop, GIMP or Google Picasa.
Use the "Flip," "Mirror" or "Reverse" setting in the image editing program to make a version of the image that appears backward.
Print the reversed image onto a standard sheet of paper with your ink-jet printer. Check to see that the image you want to heat transfer is the right size for the fabric.
Insert a sheet of heat transfer paper into your ink-jet printer, making sure that you are printing on the blank side and not the side that has guidelines for cutting.
Go to the "Print" dialogue for your image editing program. Set the print quality to the highest resolution possible and select the print settings for either "T-shirt Transfers" or "High Quality Glossy Paper," depending on the model of ink-jet printer.
Print the image on the heat transfer paper. Remove it from the printer when it is finished and allow the ink to dry. Do not touch the paper while it is drying.
Using scissors, trim off the unprinted areas of the heat transfer paper around the picture you want to transfer.
Preheat the iron on the highest temperature for about eight minutes. Do not use the steam setting on the iron.
Place a pillowcase on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Do not use an ironing board.
Place the fabric you want to transfer the image to on top of the pillowcase.
Smooth out both the fabric and the pillowcase with the iron. Let the fabric cool.
Place the heat transfer image face down where you want to apply it to the fabric.
Press the iron straight down firmly over the heat transfer paper for about 15 to 20 seconds. Cover the entire paper, especially the edges. Lift the iron straight up and press straight down when repositioning.
Press the iron lightly on top of the heat transfer image and move it around in a circular motion for about 15 to 20 seconds.
Gently rub the heat transfer image with a soft cloth for 5 to 10 seconds.